I Just Loved You
Chapter 1
After Gianna and Steven got engaged,she discovered that he had a childhood sweetheart.
Steven took care of Chloe,his childhood friend,with meticulous attention and even brought her into their home.He treated Chloe’s needs and feelings as more important than Gianna’s.
Gianna silently observed everything.She stopped competing,stopped arguing,and stopped making demands.
Instead,she quietly submitted an application to the hospital behind Steven’s back.
Once she secured a signed agreement,she began patiently waiting for the day she could leave the country.
In the end,all she left behind for Steven was a termination of their engagement.
“Steven,I don’t love you anymore.”
——
“Director,I’m applying to go abroad to become a Médecins Sans Frontières(Doctors Without Borders)volunteer,”Gianna said calmly.
Director Williams,seated across from her,was taken aback,and when he snapped out of his senses,he tried to persuade her earnestly.
“Gianna,with your qualifications and skills,you’re more than capable of handling this role.But I’ve heard your wedding ceremony is scheduled for next month.Leaving now might not be the best timing.”
Gianna,of course,understood what Director Williams was implying.But she was exhausted and wanted to escape,to unravel the tangled mess in her heart.
“Director,I’ve already made up my mind.Here’s my application.Please sign it.The hospital has had this position vacant for over six months,and I want to give it a try.I’ve heard that returning from this experience can fast-track a promotion to the department head—it’s a great opportunity.”
Director Williams hesitated as he looked at the application Gianna handed over.
It was true that such a role could lead to a promotion,but only if one returned safely.After all,the places Médecins Sans Frontières deployed to were often war zones and areas of extreme instability—highly dangerous.No one could be a hundred percent sure that they could return safely.
While Director Williams wasn’t particularly worried about Gianna’s safety,he was concerned about the potential impact on Steven,the hospital’s star surgeon,if she left.
“Gianna,there’s really no need to push yourself so hard.With Dr.Thompson here,whether or not you participate in Médecins Sans Frontières,the hospital will consider your future prospects.”
Though Director Williams spoke ambiguously,Gianna understood the underlying meaning.
But right now,she wanted nothing more than to sever any ties with Steven.
Steven,her fiancé,was also the hospital’s most skilled surgeon,handling numerous complex and challenging operations.
The truth was,the hospital would be willing to sacrifice a promotion if it meant retaining Steven.
In fact,Gianna’s initial entry into the hospital was due to Steven.
Her thoughts drifted back to the past:
She was just a doctor at a small village clinic,barely scraping by.One stormy night,she saved Steven after he was injured in a car accident.
Later,when Director Williams recruited Steven to the hospital,Steven stated,“I’ll join,but only if I can bring someone with me.”
That was how Gianna ended up at this hospital alongside Steven,becoming a doctor.
Over the years,she had worked tirelessly to prove herself,striving to shed the label of being there simply because of her connection to Steven.
But no matter how hard she tried,she found it impossible to escape the tag of“Steven’s fiancée.”
"Did you tell Steven that you wanted to leave and join the Médecins Sans Frontières?"Director Williams asked,snapping her out of her thoughts.
“Don’t worry,Director.I’ll inform Dr.Thompson myself,”Gianna said firmly,though her clenched fists and pale knuckles betrayed her inner anxiety.She could already imagine his furious expression—his clenched jaw and simmering anger as he refused to let her go.
Chapter 2
Director Williams,hearing Gianna’s assurance,finally relaxed.
“Alright.As long as Dr.Thompson agrees,the hospital has no objections.”
“Thank you,Director.I’ll make sure he agrees,”Gianna replied confidently as she took back her Médecins Sans Frontières application.
But as soon as she left the director’s office,she began to worry again.
Though she had spoken with conviction,convincing Steven to agree to her going abroad was going to be a challenge.After all,their wedding was only a month away.
There was a time when Gianna dreamed of marrying Steven,but now,she no longer wanted to.
Just a few days ago,they had discussed their wedding plans.Steven had said dismissively,“The hospital is so busy.Who has time for a wedding?Let’s just have a simple meal and register for the certificate—don’t think about these unnecessary things.”
That same evening,Gianna overheard him talking to Chloe on the balcony.
“Don’t worry,Chloe.I won’t have a wedding.As long as I don’t want it,no one can force me.”
It was then that Gianna realized the real reason he didn’t want a wedding—it was for Chloe’s sake.
The realization left her feeling hollow.
Their engagement felt like it had already ended before it even began.
She decided to leave the country to end things sooner.
But would Steven agree?
Frowning,Gianna mulled over the situation.Distracted,she didn’t notice where she was walking and bumped into a man's chest.
“Ow!”
She twisted her ankle and nearly fell,but a strong arm caught her around the waist just in time.
“What’s wrong with you?You're so distracted you didn’t even respond when I called you several times,”a low,magnetic voice interrupted her thoughts.
Even after three years together,Gianna still blushed during moments of close contact.Looking up at Steven’s composed face,she felt a twinge of discomfort.After all,she had just been plotting how to manipulate him into agreeing to her application.She didn't expect that she would run into him now.
“It’s nothing,just thinking about work at the hospital,”she replied,hiding the truth.
Steven raised an eyebrow,as though he sensed something was off,but he didn’t press her.Instead,he crouched down,rolling up her pant leg to check her ankle.
He pressed gently,and Gianna inhaled sharply in pain.
Without another word,Steven scooped her up effortlessly.“It’s a bad sprain.You’ll need to rest for a few days.Don’t walk too much in the meantime.”
Gianna squirmed uncomfortably in his arms,trying to get down.
“Put me down.If someone sees us,it’ll look bad.”
Steven ignored her protests,“Stop moving!You’re already hurt—stay still!”
But just as he carried her a few steps,his phone rang.
On the other end of the line,a cheerful female voice chirped,“Steven,are you at the hospital?I think I caught a cold and need my doctor to take a look at me.”
As he listened,the usually aloof expression on Steven’s face softened with a faint smile.
Gianna sighed inwardly,beginning a mental countdown.
Sure enough,before she even reached ten,Steven set her down,seemingly anxious.“The hospital just called.A patient is waiting for me.It’s urgent,”he explained,though Gianna already knew better.
Chapter 3
Steven hurried a few steps ahead but seemed to hesitate.He turned back and asked,“Gianna,you’re a doctor.It’s just a minor injury—you can handle it yourself,right?”
Minor injury?He had just said it was serious.Or perhaps,in his world,she would always matter less than Chloe.
She remembered a summer evening long ago.She had nicked her finger slicing a watermelon,barely scratching her nail.Steven had been beside her,scooping her up and forcing her to sit on the sofa while he fussed over her.
Now,thinking of how much had changed,her chest tightened,and her eyes burned with unshed tears.She turned her head sharply,unwilling to let him see her fragile state.
Her gaze landed on a coat missing a row of buttons—a bitter reminder of a night just a week ago.
That evening,their department had a gathering.Gianna had drunk a little too much,and since the venue was in a remote area,it was difficult to get a car at night.After waiting for what felt like forever,she dialed Steven with a slight slur in her voice.
“Steven,I can’t find a ride.Can you come pick me up?”
At the time,Steven was out jogging with Chloe.The sound of his labored breathing carried through the phone,mingled with unmistakable impatience.
“I’m with Chloe.It’s late,and it’s not safe for her to head home alone.Wait two hours—I’ll take her home first,or find a cab yourself and send me the fare.I’ll reimburse you.”
He hadn’t even registered her saying she couldn’t find a cab.Steven was so concerned about Chloe’s safety but never stopped to think that she,too,was a woman alone at night.
Gianna walked twenty kilometers in the dark before headlights from an car pierced through the night.
“Gianna,are you insane?Do you think it’s fun to lie?I circled the location you gave me and didn’t see you anywhere!”Steven barked.
“I wasn’t lying,I—”Before she could finish,Steven roared,yanked her into the car,and slammed the door shut.
The faint clatter of metal buttons hitting the floor was barely audible amidst his angry tirade.
From that day forward,Gianna understood—she would never be as important to him as Chloe.
Forcing a smile,she said softly,“I’m a doctor,too.I can handle it.You should go—don’t keep the patient waiting.”
Any fleeting concern Steven might have felt for her vanished with her words.
He leaned down and placed a light kiss on her forehead.“Alright,I’ll head out.I’ll come pick you up after work.”
Gianna nodded lightly,her response as indifferent as his gesture was perfunctory.
Without hesitation,Steven disappeared around the corner of the hospital corridor,and only then Gianna finally lifted her head.She dabbed at the damp corners of her eyes,listening to the sound of his footsteps fading away.
In her heart,she tallied the number of times he had left her for Chloe,and she had lost count.
And Chloe’s cheery voice on the phone?Any doctor worth their salt could tell she wasn’t ill.But Steven always acted like he was under her spell,eagerly running to her beck and call.
With a limp,Gianna returned to her office.
Some colleagues who knew her well teased her as she walked in,their tones laced with playful banter.
“Gianna,you and Dr.Thompson really need to take it easy during the day!Don’t tire yourselves out too much.”
“That’s right,Gianna.Dr.Thompson is the backbone of our hospital.If you wear him out and he can’t perform surgeries,you might have the director coming after you!”
Gianna forced an awkward smile and waved her hands in denial.She lifted her pant leg to reveal her swollen,bruised ankle.
“It’s nothing like that.I just twisted my ankle in a rush on my way here,”she explained.
Chapter 4
The bruising on her ankle had swollen severely.It hadn't been this bad at first,but forcing herself to walk earlier had worsened it,making the injury look even more alarming.
Dr.Shaw,sitting beside Gianna,immediately called over a nurse.“Quick,go get Dr.Thompson.His little fiancée is hurt—we can’t risk him taking it out on our department.”
Gianna panicked and tried to stop them.“No,don’t—”
But before she could finish,the nurse had already darted off.
Sighing,she pulled out her phone and sent a message to Steven:
[The team noticed I sprained my ankle and sent a nurse to inform you.I tried to stop them but couldn’t.Don’t mind it.]
After sending the message,she waited for a reply,but none came.
By the time the nurse returned,her expression was awkward.She glanced at Gianna hesitantly before speaking.“Dr.Thompson said he knows,but...there’s a woman in his office.They seem to be laughing and chatting happily.I don’t think he’s planning to come over.”
Gianna kept her head down,saying nothing,as if trying to hide her emotions from the curious eyes of others.
“He...he must be busy...”she murmured,though even she didn’t know how she managed to get the words out.They tasted bitter.
Just then,her phone vibrated.A voice message from Steven.
Gianna opened it quickly,but the calm tone on the other end offered no concern,no comfort—just a simple,indifferent“Okay.”
In that moment,it felt as if the entire department was looking at her with pity.
“Dr.Wilson,could you step outside?A patient is asking for you,”the nurse at the front desk promptly called out Gianna's name.
Relieved to have an excuse to leave the room,Gianna quickly got up.
The last time she had felt such urgency to escape was at their engagement party.
Steven was always like this.Wherever Chloe was involved,Gianna would inevitably find herself in the shadows,always the afterthought.
That day,Steven had shown up late to their engagement party.
“Sorry,something came up at the hospital.I got held up,”he had said casually,brushing aside the hours she had spent awkwardly fielding questions and looks from their guests,all alone.
For her,it was a monumental day.However,it seemed as trivial as dust it was for him.
Later,she overheard colleagues at the hospital mention that Steven had left early that day with a woman.Gianna didn’t need to guess who that woman was,she knew that it was Chloe.
Now,she pulled on her white coat and limped her way out of the office.
The rest of the day was a blur of work.It wasn’t until evening that she finally finished her tasks.
As she stood up,a sharp pain shot through her ankle,jolting her to clarity.She realized she had forgotten to apply any medicine after leaving the office earlier.The injury had worsened,swelling grotesquely.
Sighing,Gianna sank back into her chair,deciding to wait for Steven to come and pick her up after his shift.
But she waited and waited.By the time most of the hospital had quieted,with only the night shift staff remaining,there was still no sign of him—not even a phone call.
Determined,she decided to check his office herself.
She only managed a few steps before the pain became unbearable,cold sweat breaking out on her forehead.
Defeated,she pulled out her phone and dialed his number.
He answered quickly,his voice calm.“What’s up,Gianna?”
For a moment,she hesitated.It seemed he had completely forgotten his earlier promise to pick her up.
Biting her lip,she swallowed her pride.“Steven,you said you’d pick me up after work.I’m still waiting for you.”
Chapter 5
On the other end of the phone,Steven fell silent.
After a long pause,his slightly awkward voice finally came through.
“Sorry,Gianna.Something came up at home,and I headed back earlier.Wait for me—I’ll come get you right now.”
As he spoke,rustling sounds and faint background chatter filtered through the line.Chloe’s voice called out cheerfully,“Steven,dinner’s almost ready!Where are you going?”
Gianna pressed her fingers to her temple,a bitter smile tugging at her lips.“Forget it.Don’t trouble yourself—I’ll manage on my own.”
This time,Steven hesitated for only half a second before agreeing.
“Alright,take your time.I cooked something good tonight.It’ll be waiting when you get home.”
After hanging up,Gianna let out a slow breath,though the wounds in her heart seemed to deepen.Lightly touching the Médecins Sans Frontières application tucked in her pocket,she wondered how she could convince Steven to agree to her departure.
Leaning against the hospital wall,she hobbled out,each step sending waves of searing pain through her ankle.After what felt like an eternity,she managed to flag down a cab.
Sliding into the passenger seat,she realized her clothes were drenched with cold sweat.
The driver glanced at her pale face,his voice tinged with concern.“Miss,you don’t look well.Why don’t you call your boyfriend to come pick you up?”
Resting against the seat,Gianna tried to ease the pain and even managed a wry chuckle.“I don't have a boyfriend,just a fiancé.”
“Then call your fiancé.Look at you—your face is white as a sheet.I bet he doesn’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
“Fiancé?”Gianna scoffed softly,staring out the window.“Too bad he’s busy spending time with someone else.He got no time for me.”
The driver fell silent for a moment before muttering under his breath,“What kind of fiancéis that?Sounds pretty unreliable.”
Gianna chuckled at his candid remark.
“Unreliable?”she mused.“More like indifferent.”
Everything about the wedding preparations,from the invitations to the décor of their future home,had been left to Gianna alone.
When she’d asked Steven for input,his response had been dismissive.“The man works outside while the woman manages the home.Why are you asking me for every little thing?Don’t you have any opinions of your own?”
Yet,when she had completed the arrangements,Steven had found fault with everything.Ultimately,it was Chloe who finalized the décor to his satisfaction.
As she thought back on it all,Gianna felt a wave of exhaustion and disdain.
When the cab pulled up outside her apartment complex,it was just a short walk from the gate to her unit—barely a few hundred meters.Yet it took her nearly half an hour to cover the distance,her every step labored and slow.
Standing at the door,she instinctively reached for her keys before realizing they were missing.Frustrated,she knocked on the door.
It took a while,but Steven eventually opened it.
The first thing he said upon seeing her was tinged with impatience.“Don’t you have your keys?Why are you always knocking?”
Gianna didn’t respond immediately.Instead,she entered the apartment,walking slowly to the living room,and then pulled out her keyring from her bag.
“You took my key off the ring a few days ago to give to Chloe,remember?”she responded coldly.
Her words made Steven pause.His irritation faded slightly,replaced by a faint trace of guilt.But even then,his tone carried a hint of reproach.“I’ve been so busy lately that I forgot.Why didn’t you just get yourself a new one?You’ve got time for things like this.”
Gianna smiled faintly,offering no reply.She had long since stopped expecting fairness.
To Steven,anything concerning Chloe always seemed urgent,while her needs could wait—or be ignored altogether.
As she made her way into the dining room,she realized Chloe was already there.
“Gianna,you’re finally back!”Chloe greeted her enthusiastically,rushing forward to loop her arm through Gianna’s in a playful gesture,sticking out her tongue as she smiled.
Chapter 6
"I'm really sorry,Gianna.I was so hungry I couldn’t wait for you,"Chloe said apologetically as she pulled Gianna toward the dining table.
However,the table held only scraps of leftovers.
Gianna stood still,staring at the remnants.A complex wave of emotions surged through her—sorrow,disappointment,and something she couldn't quite name.
"Forget it.I'm not feeling well today,so I’ll skip dinner.You two enjoy,"Gianna said quietly,turning to hobble toward the stairs.
Behind her,Chloe sounded surprised."Gianna,what’s wrong?Are you upset because I didn’t wait for you to eat?"
Steven reached out to ruffle Chloe’s hair,his voice carrying a hint of indulgence."Don’t overthink it.She sprained her ankle today and isn’t feeling well."
This casual display of affection happened to catch Gianna's eye as she glanced back.Her lips parted slightly,as if she wanted to say something,but all that emerged was a sigh.With a downcast look,she turned and retreated to the master bedroom.
Her mind replayed the events of the day.Chloe’s simple phone call had made Steven drop everything and rush to her side.Meanwhile,Gianna could barely walk and yet received no such concern.The stark contrast felt like a dagger to her chest.
Once in the bedroom,she tried to ignore the pain radiating from her ankle as she rummaged through drawers and cabinets,searching for a first aid kit.After what felt like an eternity,she finally found an old medicine box shoved under the closet in the guest room.It contained a single bottle of expired iodine.
With no better options,Gianna carried the iodine back to the master bedroom.She noticed in passing that the guest room had been recently tidied up—clean and organized.However,she didn’t dwell on it.
Sitting on the edge of the bed,she carefully dabbed the iodine on her swollen ankle.The moment the cotton swab touched her skin,a sharp pain made her gasp.
After just one day without treatment and the strain of walking such a long distance,the injury has significantly worsened.
"You shouldn’t use that."
The sudden voice startled her.She looked up to see Steven standing in the doorway,holding a new bottle of herbal liniment.
"This iodine is expired.Didn’t you notice?You’re still so careless."He sighed and walked over,crouching down in front of her.
Gently,he reached for her injured ankle to inspect the swelling.However,Gianna instinctively pulled her foot back,avoiding his touch.
"Are you disgusted by me?"
In the dim light of the bedroom,Steven’s expression was unreadable.
Gianna tucked a strand of hair behind her ear,feeling the awkward tension between them."No...It’s just that Chloe is still waiting for you outside.You should go keep her company.Leave the liniment here—I can manage on my own."
Steven stared at her for a moment,his face impassive.Without a word,he suddenly grabbed her ankle and pulled it into his lap,ignoring her protests.
His abruptness made Gianna wince in pain,a small cry escaping her lips.
When he saw how swollen and bruised her ankle was,the irritation in Steven’s expression softened,replaced by a rare hint of guilt.
"Sorry,"he murmured.
The apology caught Gianna off guard.
Steven wasn’t the type to apologize easily.In the three years they’d been together,this was the first time she’d heard the word from him.
Even when he had left her by the roadside with a ruptured appendix,he hadn’t apologized.Later,she learned he’d been rushing to a medical seminar where Chloe was to be introduced as his mentee.Gianna,writhing in pain,had been left behind like an afterthought.
"Why the sudden apology?That’s not like you."
Steven looked up briefly,his hands still carefully applying the liniment."Your ankle’s in bad shape.I shouldn’t have ignored it earlier."
The sincerity in his voice made Gianna’s heart ache.She had long stopped expecting warmth from him,so his apology felt like a cruel tease—offering hope where none existed.
Biting her lip,she forced herself to smile."It’s just a sprain.Nothing worth apologizing for."
Chapter 7
Gianna feared that her determination to go abroad and join Médecins Sans Frontières might waver if she allowed herself to get caught up in these emotions.
Taking a deep breath,she said,“You’re the renowned Dr.Thompson.Now that you’re giving me a massage for free,I should be thanking you.After all,plenty of people can’t even book an appointment with you.I must be taking a shortcut here.”
Steven frowned slightly,not responding immediately.He couldn’t help but feel her words carried a tinge of sarcasm,as if she were deliberately provoking him.
Suppressing the irritation rising within him,Steven refocused on carefully massaging Gianna’s injured ankle.
It wasn’t until he finished the first session that he finally spoke,revealing his decision.
“Chloe’s house was broken into by a thief.I’ve arranged for her to stay here for a few days.”
Gianna froze,the reason for his recent behavior suddenly becoming clear.
No wonder Steven had been uncharacteristically considerate earlier.His odd actions over the past few days—the removal of her house key,the sudden cleaning of the guest room—all made sense now.Chloe’s prolonged stay had clearly been planned well in advance.
Steven had already made all the decisions before even informing her.
Gianna gave it some thought but ultimately chose not to refuse.Her smile was faint,yet it carried an unmistakable trace of bitterness.
“It’s fine.Do as you think best.”Her light,indifferent response immediately quelled the explanations Steven had prepared in his mind.Seeing that Gianna agreed without resistance,the tension in his furrowed brows relaxed.
“You don’t mind?”he asked,his tone was laced with disbelief.
“Not at all.”Her answer came without hesitation.
Steven looked relieved.Standing up,he handed her the bottle of liniment.
“Apply it gently again in half an hour.I’ll go keep Chloe company for now—she must be bored sitting in the living room alone.I’ll check back on you later.”
Gianna nodded with a smile,but her heart marked another painful tally.
He’d gotten the response he wanted and immediately prioritized Chloe,leaving her behind once more.
Just as Steven’s hand touched the doorknob to leave,he suddenly turned back,his tone laced with a warning.
“Gianna,Chloe has always been sensitive.Next time,don’t act so impolite in front of her—it might upset her.”
He was clearly referring to how she had silently retreated to the bedroom upon arriving home.
But what else could she have done?Sit down and eat their leftovers?
Gianna gripped the bottle of liniment so tightly that her knuckles turned white.Yet,she forced a smile onto her face.
“Got it.Please apologize to Chloe for me.”
Her compliance satisfied Steven,and with a nod,he finally left the room.
The moment the door clicked shut,Gianna could no longer hold back her tears.They streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.
This was her fiancé.The man she had loved for three years.
Not even for a single second did his heart truly belong to her.
The stabbing pain in her ankle paled in comparison to the unbearable ache in her chest.Her heart,battered and bruised,felt like it was collapsing under the weight of her grief.
When it came time for the second massage,Gianna quietly handled it herself.She had no illusions—she knew Steven wouldn’t return.
She lay alone in the cold,quiet room,listening to the laughter echoing from the living room downstairs.
Eventually,thirst forced her to leave the bedroom.Limping down the stairs,she reached the water dispenser only to find her usual cup missing.
In its place was a new cup—one she didn’t recognize.
It didn’t take much to guess whose it was.
Chapter 8
The new cup,it turned out,was a matching set with Steven’s.
“Gianna,I’m so sorry.I accidentally broke your cup earlier.If you don’t mind,you can use mine for now.”Chloe picked up the new cup and smiled apologetically.
Gianna’s face remained expressionless,but she didn’t respond.
Steven,however,chimed in with a dismissive tone.“Chloe,don’t bother with her.It’s just a cup.We’ve got plenty at home.”
Gianna clenched her fists,her nose stinging from suppressed emotion.
That cup wasn’t just any cup—it was the one they had used to toast during their engagement ceremony,a symbol of their bond.She had cherished it deeply,treating it like a treasure.
But to Steven,it was just another cup,unworthy of any sentiment.
“It’s fine.I can just use a disposable one,”Gianna said lightly.She took a sip of water and returned to the bedroom.
As she sat down,her thoughts raced back to the Médecins Sans Frontières application form in her hands.The urgency in her heart grew stronger.
If Steven refused to sign,the hospital wouldn’t let her go.She needed to gauge his stance more carefully.
“Why are you still awake?”
Steven’s voice startled her as he entered the room.He saw her sitting by the bedside,seemingly on a phone call.
“Alright,I’ll ask him about it for you,”she said into the phone before hanging up.
Turning to him,she replied nonchalantly,“You’re not asleep either.My foot hurts too much to rest,so I figured I’d chat with a colleague.”
At the mention of her foot,Steven’s expression shifted.He suddenly remembered that he had promised to massage her ankle again but had forgotten.
Feigning concern,he lifted the blanket and carefully examined her injury.
“The swelling’s gone down a lot.You should be fine after a few more days of rest.”
Then,as if to steer the conversation,he asked,“Who were you chatting with just now?You looked like you were enjoying yourself.”
Gianna instinctively tightened her grip on her phone.If Steven had looked closely,he would have noticed that her screen was black—she hadn’t been on a call at all.
“It was Dr.Shaw from my department,”she lied smoothly.
Feigning casualness,she brought up the Médecins Sans Frontières application.“A lot of colleagues have been discussing the program lately.Dr.Shaw was just asking if you had any updates about it.”
Steven nodded without suspicion.
The topic had indeed been circulating in the hospital for some time,and the deadline for applications was approaching.Because the initial number of volunteers hadn’t met the requirement,the program had been delayed until now.
“This overseas opportunity isn’t short-term,”he explained.“But it’s a great way for those without connections to build up their résumés.Coming back with international experience is like being gilded.”
Gianna nodded in agreement,listening attentively.
Then,without warning,his tone changed.
“But it’s unnecessary for you.With the time this program would take,I could already help you secure a promotion.”
At his words,Gianna sighed softly.
She had anticipated his refusal.Still,another idea crossed her mind.
In the past,when their arguments escalated,Steven would occasionally resort to physical violence.The resolution?He’d always end up signing an apology letter to placate her.
She vividly remembered one incident.That time,she had stopped him from leaving to meet Chloe.
Unbeknownst to her,Chloe had cut her hand while cooking—a superficial wound that only needed a bandage.But that evening,when Steven returned home,he struck Gianna across the face.
“If you hadn’t stopped me,Chloe wouldn’t have gotten hurt!”he had shouted.
His words still echoed painfully in her mind.
Chapter 9
After several days of silent treatment,it was always Steven who relented first,writing an apology letter to end their arguments.At the time,Gianna had felt heartbroken.But now,it struck her that such a method could still work.If she could coax him into signing another"apology letter,"it might be her way out.
“I’ll earn my promotions with my own abilities—I won’t rely on you,”Gianna said with playful defiance.
Steven chuckled,thinking she was just being stubborn.
“Good,that’ll save me some trouble.But don’t come crying to me when no one recognizes your talent.You might end up begging for my help,”he teased as he lay down and pulled the blanket over himself.
Gianna’s lips tightened.Beneath his words,she heard disdain and indifference.
With a determined tone,she countered,“I won’t beg you.In fact,I want you to sign a consent letter for me.”
“A consent letter?What kind?”
She stood,retrieved a piece of paper,and carefully wrote the following:
[From this point forward,Gianna Wilson and Steven Thompson are to maintain strict boundaries.Gianna takes full responsibility for her actions and will not hold any person or institution accountable.Under no circumstances will her matters implicate anyone else.All consequences shall be borne by Gianna alone.Signed:Steven Thompson.]
Placing the letter and a pen in front of him,Gianna tried to steady her trembling hands,which had become clammy with sweat.
“Sign it.”
Steven narrowed his eyes.Something about Gianna’s behavior today felt off—subtly out of place,though not enough to raise clear alarms.
“Steven,are you going back on your word?Or are you too scared to sign it?Afraid you’ll secretly interfere behind my back?”
Her tone was intentionally provocative,poking at his pride.She knew all too well that Steven,with his overbearing masculinity,couldn’t stand such taunts.
Predictably,his expression darkened.He gave her a cold,mocking stare.
“Did you forget who brought you into this hospital in the first place?With your mediocre skills,you’d still be stuck in some rural clinic treating impoverished villagers if it weren’t for me.”
His words stabbed her like a shard of glass lodged in her throat,painful and impossible to swallow.
Gianna gritted her teeth,forcing herself to stay composed.
“Then sign it,Steven.Let’s see if I ever need your help.”
Her defiant tone finally disarmed his lingering suspicions.With a derisive snort,he retorted,“Fine,let’s see how far your stubbornness gets you.”
He grabbed the pen and signed his name with a flourish.
Watching him complete the signature,Gianna felt an immense weight lift off her chest.She carefully folded the letter and tucked it into her pocket like a priceless treasure.
“Don’t worry,I won’t ask for your help,”she murmured silently to herself.
This would be the last tie binding her to Steven,the final step toward escaping their soured relationship.
---
The next morning,Gianna woke up early.With the consent letter in hand,she felt a new sense of freedom and ease.
As she prepared to leave for work,she walked to Steven’s car as usual,expecting to take her usual seat in the passenger side.
But as the window rolled down,a familiar face greeted her with a smug smile.
“Gianna,sorry about this.I get carsick and can only sit in the front,”Chloe said with feigned innocence,her tone playful.
Gianna froze for a moment.
She knew Chloe didn’t get carsick—she had been in the same car with her countless times.
In reality,it was Gianna herself who often struggled with motion sickness,which was why she always took the front seat.
But today,Chloe had taken her place,as if intentionally claiming her territory.
Chapter 10
Ever since Chloe appeared,the passenger seat of the car had never been hers again.
Until,in an increasingly impatient tone,Steven's voice broke through the silence.
"Are you getting in or not?If not,just take a cab,don’t keep dawdling."
Gianna silently released the handle of the car door and took two steps back.
"You guys go ahead,"she said,"I just remembered I left something at home."
She turned and walked away,her steps deliberate.
It wasn’t until the roar of the car engine faded into the distance that Gianna turned back around.
The parking lot was empty,save for the rising dust and two tears that fell silently from her eyes.
This was the first time Gianna had been late to work since she started at the hospital.
"Gianna,how’s your foot?Is it feeling better?How come you’re at work today?"
"Doctor Thompson really doesn't have a heart,does he?He didn’t let you rest for a few more days?"
Her colleagues’concern was genuine,but Gianna only smiled and responded in kind.
But Steven’s mind was no longer on her.He had long since disappeared with Chloe,leaving her to fend for herself.
At that moment,Gianna felt an overwhelming urge to escape this city.
Without a second thought,she headed straight for the hospital director’s office.
As soon as she presented the consent letter,the director immediately signed her application for the"Médecins Sans Frontières"program without hesitation.
"Dr.Wilson,I’ll be sure to congratulate you in advance.I hope you return safely."
Gianna nodded heavily,her heart finally feeling lighter.
After leaving the office,she went straight to buy a plane ticket and then returned home to pack.
Her three years with Steven hadn’t left her with much.There was so little she could take with her,and the tiny suitcase she packed was barely filled.It only contained a few thin garments.
"Gianna,why are you back so early today?"
As Gianna placed her suitcase by the living room door,she heard the sound of the door opening.
It was Steven and Chloe,Chloe carrying several bags of gifts,all bought by Steven for her.
"Gianna I didn’t expect you to be home.I forgot to bring you a gift,"Chloe said with an apologetic smile.
Steven,standing next to her,looked somewhat awkward.
He cleared his throat before speaking."Gianna,the season's changing.Let’s go shopping tomorrow and buy you a few new clothes."
Gianna smiled and declined.She had a flight the next day.She couldn’t let such trivial matters delay her chance to leave.
"No need,"she said,"As long as you two are happy,don’t worry about me."Her dismissal made Steven frown,and he snorted in annoyance.
He decided that from now on,he would ignore Gianna until she came crawling back to him.However,he didn’t realize this was exactly what Gianna wanted.
Even the next day at work,Gianna didn’t say a word to him.
In the afternoon,Dr.Shaw from her department approached Steven.
"Dr.Thompson,do you know what happened to Dr.Wilson?She hasn’t come to the hospital all day.Have you heard from her?"
Steven,who had been on the phone with Chloe,was irritated by the interruption.
He waved his hand dismissively."She’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself.Where she goes,I have no idea.She doesn’t like me to control her,so I can’t do anything about it."
Whenever Steven spoke of Gianna,his tone became more biting.
He clenched his teeth,seething with anger.Last night,she dared to ignore him,to use the silent treatment against him.Not a single word from her all night.
"Well,Dr.Thompson,don’t you think you should call Dr.Wilson?See if you can get in touch with her?"Dr.Shaw suggested.
